Why isn't everyone entitled to participate in democratic elections? Is the idea of democracy compatible with the persistent disenfranchisement of prisoners, people with cognitive impairments, non-citizens and children? These questions are answered in this original book. Existing exclusions from the vote are characterized and evaluated. A new framework is developed that explores the meaning of democratic inclusion and norms of equal treatment and highlights important tensions between these principles. In addition, the case for representing the interests of unborn generations is examined. Should future generations be thought of as members of the democratic people? The conclusion defended in the book is that exclusions from the vote are sometimes justified, but much less frequently than is currently the case in contemporary democracies.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. Introduction: Universal Suffrage on Trial -- 2. Democracy and Inclusion -- 3. Alienated From the Vote: The Case of Non-Citizens -- 4. Too Young to Vote? Children's Suffrage -- 5. Jailhouse Vote? Felon Disenfranchisement and Democratic Inclusion -- 6. Disability, Dependence and Democracy -- 7. Vote of Unborn Generations -- 8. Conclusion: Reasonable Inclusion and Exclusion.